LiDAR Light Detector Pixel Selection for Tilt Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current LiDAR systems with non-coaxial optical systems face challenges in accurately measuring distance due to tilt variations in the light receiving pattern, leading to increased noise and reduced signal-to-noise ratio, which affects measurement accuracy and distance detection.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a light detector with a two-dimensional array of pixels and a control section that selectively turns on subsets of pixels based on coordinate information, using a shift circuit to adjust column select lines and generate appropriate shift signals, allowing for efficient light receiving area selection and tilt compensation without increasing the number of column select lines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the number of column select lines is increased to cover the entire light receiving pattern, then the light receiving area coverage is improved, but the device complexity and noise increase
Solution Approach 1:
The light receiving pattern is divided into multiple regions along the column direction, with each region assigned to a separate column select line. This segmentation allows the system to cover the entire light receiving pattern using a manageable number of select lines while maintaining low complexity and noise levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically selects which column regions to activate based on the current light receiving pattern requirements. By selectively turning on only the necessary column select lines and corresponding pixels, the system adapts to varying measurement needs without permanently increasing device complexity or noise.
2Area of stationary object
If all pixels are turned on to cover the entire light receiving pattern, then the measurement coverage is improved, but the signal-to-noise ratio deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the pixel array are selectively activated based on the specific measurement requirements. Instead of uniformly turning on all pixels, the system applies local quality control by activating only the pixels in regions where light reception is actually needed, thereby maintaining high signal-to-noise ratio while achieving adequate coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system activates only the necessary subset of pixels required for the current measurement task rather than all pixels. This partial action approach ensures adequate light receiving coverage for the specific measurement needs while avoiding the noise penalty of activating unnecessary pixels.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the light receiving area is expanded to accommodate tilt variations, then the adaptability is improved, but the noise increases and signal-to-noise ratio decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the light receiving area by selectively activating different column regions based on the detected tilt variations. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain high tilt compensation capability while keeping the active pixel count low, thereby avoiding the noise increase that would result from continuously maintaining a large light receiving area.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the pixel array by selectively enabling different column select lines and pixel subsets based on the measured tilt conditions. This parameter change approach allows adaptability to various tilt scenarios while controlling noise by activating only the necessary pixels for each specific condition.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach improves the signal-to-noise ratio by optimizing pixel selection and tilt compensation, enhancing the accuracy and performance of distance measurements in LiDAR systems.
Implementation Method 1
a two-dimensional sensor (2D sensor) having a plurality of two-dimensionally arranged silicon photomultipliers is known as one of the most promising sensors
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a light detector includes pixels arranged in first and second directions in a pixel area, and a control section. The control section is configured to turn on a first subset of the pixels in a first partial area based on first coordinate information, and to turn on a second subset of the pixels in a second partial area based on second coordinate information different from the first coordinate information. A first tilt of the first partial pixel area differs from a second tilt of the second partial pixel area.